Should you quit your job to protect your mental health?
For some workers, the decision to quit a job is no longer simply about career progression or a better salary, but about protecting their mental health. As workplace stress, burnout and toxic environments take a toll, some employees are choosing to walk away, even when they have no job waiting for them.
When work-related stress becomes overwhelming, some employees consider quitting their jobs to prioritize mental health. Mental health experts warn that chronic workplace stress can result in anxiety, depression, burnout, and long-term health issues. Signs that a person's job may be harming their mental health include persistent stress, anxiety, a constant feeling of dread, declining physical health, difficulty concentrating, and feeling unsupported by managers.
One woman who left a toxic work environment reported that her mental health improved dramatically after quitting. However, the decision came with financial hardships, as she earned less than half of what she previously made and had to enter debt review to protect her assets. Despite the financial challenges, she emphasized the significant improvement in her overall well-being and happiness.
Clinical psychologist Geok En-Ting notes that workplace culture plays a critical role in employee wellbeing. While she acknowledges that leaving a damaging workplace can be the healthiest option, she cautions against impulsive decisions. En-Ting recommends that employees explore possible improvements within their current job, such as reduced workloads, support structures, counselling, or different roles before quitting.
She also acknowledges that many workers fear discussing mental health concerns at work due to potential negative perceptions from supervisors.
Social media has seen increased conversations about quitting jobs without a backup plan. One woman shared that leaving her job without a backup plan gave her a sense of peace she had not experienced in years, but she cautioned others to have financial preparation before making such a move.
Mental health advocates emphasize that while quitting can provide emotional relief, it should ideally be accompanied by careful planning. They recommend speaking to a therapist or counsellor, evaluating finances, building a safety net, and developing a plan for what comes next before resigning. Experts stress that the decision to leave a job often involves balancing financial security against personal well-being, a choice that many find increasingly difficult in today's workplace.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
